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The Accelerator
Also called the “Gas pedal”. This pedal is
connected to a valve on the engine, so when you press it, the
engine gets more fuel and can produce more power. When the
engine is running and the gas pedal isn’t being pressed, it runs
at what’s called “idling speed”. This is the slowest that the
engine will run without stalling.
Where you might get confused:
·
Coming off the gas pedal means that it’s easy to
think that the engine will stop.
·
More gas feels like more speed.
The reality:
Coming off the gas pedal slows the engine
down and leads to “engine braking”. But if the car is still
moving, this doesn’t mean that the engine will stop since the
fuel valve will still stay partly open. Because of this, you’ll
find that if you’re already moving and approaching a situation
that you’re not sure of, you can keep the brake just covered for
as long as you need to and find that you won’t stall. The engine
will keep you moving.
The amount of gas you need to use doesn’t always
relate directly to your road speed. Other things, like the
effects of gravity, or what you do with the clutch at low speeds
will also play a part.
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